The story of simple pine boxes

Just before Christmas in 2007 my mother asked me if I would like to build my grandmothers box. She had died at the age of 94 and had maintained general health right until the end of her life. In many ways it was a good death. Working in a hospital I had been exposed to many other deaths that were not at swift or were premature.

I had decided the box would be custom fitted and built with a slight taper. My grandmother was not a tall woman so the box was measured accordingly. In the end the length was 70". The final design included a tapered lid with a family tree integrated within the box. For more information on the design please check out our custom boxes. 

When I was trying to complete the box my stress level increased as I fretted over the small details. I realized that it was not my job to finish the box so I called up my mom who organized an open house and invited 3 generations of family members. Finishing the box provided opportunities for family members to openly discuss my grandmothers life and death in a way that was non-intrusive yet tangible. For more information on participatory grief check out RESOURCES.